Exhaust stain on the transom

[Stephen]

I have a 1985 C27 w/ M18 in excellent condition. The engine has never given me any problems at all. I always get a stain on the lower end of the transom (starboard),after I use the engine. Is this normal or this a sign of something wrong with the engine. Last summer I replaced the exhaust hose, but it was happening before that....

 

[Don]

It's normal for a c27 diesel

It's because the exhaust is so close to the water. It is actually under water when you have some speed up. The exhast gasses swirl up around the stern. A c30, which has the exhaust much higher on the stern, rarely has this problem.

 

[Peter]

exhaust stain

I get the same on my c27. This has been discussed quite a bit in the archives. My understanding is that much of this occurs because when you're underway, the exhaust is under the water, if it were up and out of the water you'd get much less of a stain. If I recall from past discussions, people have done everything from using good waxes to scrubbing with a brush after being out every time. But do check the archives again. I just accept mine as is.

 

[larry w.]

transom stains

Stephen; Remove the stain with SeaPower and add another coat of good wax. That'll keep it off for about a season.